1. Dentist

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Median Salary: $146,340 Unemployment Rate: 0.9% Expected Job Openings: 23,300 The best dentists deftly balance patient care with turning a profit — what good is the most nurturing dentist in town if he or she never sees any patients? But before getting to that stage, they endure rigorous technical and practical training in a competitive dental program.

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2. Nurse Practitioner

Median Salary: $92,670 Unemployment Rate: 0.7%Expected Job Openings: 37,100 It's a nurse practitioner's array of capabilities, coupled with the fact he or she can work independently of physicians when treating patients, that makes this No. 2 job an attractive career choice.

4. Physician

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Median Salary: $186,850 Unemployment Rate: 0.7%Expected Job Openings: 123,300 Physicians are at the top of the health care food chain. Their responsibilities range from diagnosing and treating patients, to instructing on proper diet, hygiene and disease prevention.

6. Physical Therapist

Median Salary: $81,030 Unemployment Rate: 1.5%Expected Job Openings: 73,500 A physical therapist's job description might include helping someone who is paralyzed regain mobility or a cancer survivor renew his or her strength. The profession should grow 36 percent by 2022, which is much faster than the average of all occupations.

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7. Computer Systems Analyst

Median Salary: $81,190 Unemployment Rate: 3.5%Expected Job Openings: 127,700 Applicants with a business background will have better chances of finding a position in this field, which involves consulting with organizations on the IT systems they might need and then coordinating the implementation of those systems.

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8. Information Security Analyst

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Median Salary: $88,590 Unemployment Rate: 3.5%Expected Job Openings: 27,400 If you've watched the news this year, then you probably have a good idea how important this No. 8 job is for companies and the government. These analysts plan and monitor the security of computer networks, and the occupations should grow 36.5 percent by 2022.

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9. Registered Nurse

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Median Salary: $66,220 Unemployment Rate: 2.0%Expected Job Openings: 526,800 Nursing is an indispensable profession in health care; one in which workers are almost always needed. This year is no different, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 19.4 percent growth in this field by 2022.

11. Web Developer

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Median Salary: $63,160 Unemployment Rate: 3.8%Expected Job Openings: 28,500 Web developers are responsible for the sleek fonts and clean layout you love on your favorite websites, and the profession is one of the fastest-growing jobs this decade.

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12. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Median Salary: $66,410 Unemployment Rate: 2.7%Expected Job Openings: 27,000 These professionals must have the technical abilities to use medical equipment, as well the social savvy to deliver life-changing news ("It's a girl!") to parents and patients.

14. Market Research Analyst

Median Salary: $60,800 Unemployment Rate: 3%Expected Number of Jobs: 131,500 Market research analysts study our habits as consumers and use those observations to counsel companies on how to package, brand and sell products.

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15. Marketing Manager

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Median Salary: $123,220 Unemployment Rate: 3.9%Expected Job Openings: 22,900 Marketing managers are behind the advertising campaigns that sway consumers one way or another in "iOS to Android," "General Motors or Ford" or even "ChapStick or Carmex" decisions.

17. School Psychologist

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Median Salary: $67,760 Unemployment Rate: 2%Expected Job Openings: 16,400 This job's flexibility and potential for upward mobility help it claim the No. 1 spot in our rankings of the Best Social Services Jobs. It's also the only social services job that landed on this list of the best 25 jobs across all industries.

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18. Mechanical Engineer

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Median Salary: $82,100 Unemployment Rate: 2.7%Expected Job Openings: 11,600 This job is a perfect blend of right- and left-brain thinking: These engineers shepherd devices from the theoretical design phase to the technical production phase.

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19. Occupational Therapy Assistant

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Median Salary: $55,270 Unemployment Rate: 2.4%Expected Job Openings: 12,900 In this job, you'll work alongside occupational therapists, assessing patients' abilities and devising a plan of action to improve their quality of life.

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20. Operations Research Analyst

Median Salary: $74,630 Unemployment Rate: 3%Expected Job Openings:19,500 Similar to a market research analyst, this No. 20 job is an advisory position that involves helping businesses and organizations operate more efficiently.

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21. IT Manager

Median Salary: $123,950 Unemployment Rate: 3.5% Expected Job Openings: 50,900 IT managers are the go-to personnel when your email won't send or your word processor won't open. As head of the IT department, they triage the operations of an organization's technical network.

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22. Civil Engineer

Median Salary: $80,770 Unemployment Rate: 3.4%Expected Job Openings: 53,700 Part of the payoff to this job is looking around and seeing the fruits of your skills and labor. Civil engineers have a hand in building bridges, retrofitting buildings and damming reservoirs.

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23. Cost Estimator

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Median Salary: $59,460 Unemployment Rate: 1.9%Expected Job Openings: 53,000 These professionals coordinate the technical, mechanical and fiscal elements of construction projects. Relative to other U.S. News Best Construction Jobs, cost estimators are typically paid handsomely for their work, pulling in a salary that's second only to construction managers within the industry.

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24. Esthetician And Skin Care Specialist

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Median Salary: $28,940 Unemployment Rate: 3.8%Expected Job Openings: 17,700 While estheticians don't get paid much compared to other U.S. News Best Health Care Jobs, they do typically enjoy flexible work schedules and the ability to improve people's appearance.

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25. Financial Advisor

Median Salary: $75,320 Unemployment Rate: 2.5%Expected Job Openings: 60,300 No wonder financial advisors were able to slip into the top 25 jobs: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27 percent employment bump in the profession between 2012 and 2022, meaning more than 60,000 new jobs to go around. More interested in hiring a financial advisor than being one? Check out the U.S. News Advisor Finder.